Seven Nights of Love: They Encompass Their Entire Lives Within…….

By P R Patel

After eight long years eleven months and some countable days Srijesh sees Ritee from a little distance but circumstances have shoved them into that junction, from where they cant resume their love life, neither they can ruminate their past. She belongs to somebody elses now.

She has burnt all her lucrative charms but still preserve that cherubic smile for which, once he was ready to die for, and even today. In this abysmal despair they are left with two choices. To accept each others love or respect each others life.

But they cant opt for either of these as they cant expose their broken past resulting they pray to meet in the future, may be on the edge of death. Let us live the world of Ritee and Srijesh who commit the maiden crime in their respective lives. They loved each other unconditionally

• Language: English
• Publisher: Partridge Publishing India
• Release date: May 8, 2014
• ISBN: 9781482818727

P R Patel

Prana Ranjan Patel is a Science graduate and has completed his Master in Business Administration from Amity University, New Delhi. Currently located in Bangalore, India and working as an Area Business Manager for a Zurich based MNC. Apart from his professional life he pursues a strong interest in art & literature and result of which is his very first book "Seven nights of love". He lives in Bangalore with his parents and his wife Monalisa.

Book preview

1

Mahe, Puducherry.

In the mid of December 1998.

It is Suju Uncle’s, Hena, Srijesh’s little sister told loudly after receiving the letter from Postman.

DEAR SRIJESH, IT IS HIGH FEVER. DOCTOR TOLD. I AM IN BED. WAITIN FOR YOU COME AND ADMIT ME. YOUR UNCLE SUJU.

From writing itself it is evident that Suju has sent this letter. It is his trademark style. Capital bold which he knows, but one thing he doesn’t. It contains every time a heavy load of ridiculous spelling mistakes. Srijesh smiled as he knows it is a blunder from Suju and he applies this kind of weapon whenever he feels to invite him. But this letter strikes the perfect chord leaving everybody terrified in the family.

What time is the train? Srijesh’s father asked.

Let me prepare some food. I will parcel some Ayurveda medicine also for Suju, Srijesh’s mother told binding some motherly sentiments in her voice.

Amma, don’t bother. I don’t want anything.

Not for you, poor boy is alone there having fever. At least take something for him.

Srijesh felt pity by looking at this scenario just because of Suju’s meaningless letter. But he must thank Suju, as his throwaway sheet of paper enables him to go to his place again, which they both have planned one day, to celebrate Christmas in Goa where Suju stays.

Half of the day goes in discussing about Suju and his bad health, as if no topics are left in the house. But when the day started running, everyone was concerned that Srijesh will be leaving after sometime. And finally it was decided, Srijesh has to catch the night train today.

It was drizzling in Mahe that day. Though Srijesh is exalted to go to Goa, but is every time painful for him to leave the home. He took bathe in the pond situated backside of his house and plucked two Lilies without any reasons. By the time he came back home, few dishes were already cooked. Mother was in a damn hurry in preparing as much food as possible in limited amount of time. Looking at Srijesh, his sister wanted to tease him for a while and targeted the Lily flowers.

Maybe you forgot to give the Lilies to somebody.

Huh! You can give it to your boyfriend if you like.

Ohh… giving me a consolation as you are leaving today. Go and have food. Your favourite dish is prepared.

Really. Come, we will have it together.

Aha… I am not blessed like you. Our loving son.

And she got stared by Srijesh.

Hena, what are you doing amma, please help me in preparing, Mother called her from kitchen.

Coming… And she left by showing a twisted mouth.

Even before the leaving time comes, Srijesh’s mind has slowly shifted from the lush greenery of Mahe to the sunny beaches of Goa. Emotions started swapping from his mother land to the place he loves next. He has been staying in Goa for last two years and completed his masters there. He is mad about every bite of Goa and the sand, water, paddy fields, coconut grooves are the causes of his temptation so far. The place has taught him many things and he misses his guitar and music. He never feels away from his home. And this belongingness has successfully occupied him for last two years in Goa. He feels they are calling him up. God, how can he control the excitement? He tells himself, Steady, steady. But why is it increasing so sturdy this time? Is destiny pulling him for a new adventure? Only time can tell.

He was accompanied by his father to the station.

Appa, don’t wait. Chance of rain. Please carry on. Mother will be worried.

I wish you would have stayed for the Christmas.

His father asked for which he was not having any answer. He smiled and touched his feet. An indirect symbol to say goodbye to the senior.

Ok, just take care of Suju. The words came from the softest corner of his father’s heart. It is he, once who asked his younger brother Suju to leave Mahe and get a job somewhere. He repents all the time for what he has said and done. As the eldest in family, he never dares to show his weakness. But Suju was also an intolerable boy when he was in Mahe.

Father left after putting a five hundred rupee note in Srijesh’s pocket. He knew, Srijesh’s friends have come to see him off and he didn’t want to be an obstacle. Within seconds friends gathered and started hounding him.

This time at least ten bottles. What are your plans this new year, when you will be back… blah… blah? Nobody could hear anything properly. With endless communication, final bell rang and Srijesh left after saying a good bye to his friends.

Night was sleeping with a rhythmic sound and Srijesh looked out of the window. It was full moon dancing above the black clouds. With a song in mind and a whispering tune in mouth, Srijesh slept till the night accompanied him. Good night Mahe. See you soon.

2

Kolkata, West Bengal.

During the same time.

It was 11 o’ clock night in the ladies hostel and girls were going to sleep.

Ok, good night.

How you can dear, whereas your friend has almost lost her sleep, Sibangini told Ritee after throwing a pillow on her face.

Hey, what is your problem?

Sibangini suddenly jumped into Ritee’s bed and pushed her butt a little.

Don’t be mean. You are my friend.

That’s why I am telling you to sleep, Ritee suggested Sibangini.

How can I? How can I?

In-between a snoring Chandrima asked her friends, Oh please, at least let me sleep, you two.

Shhhhh.

Is she more beautiful than me? Sibangini asked.

Who?

Arey, Prof. Ignesh’s would be wife.

Okay, so that is the problem. Ritee realized the condition of Sibangini. She has a one-sided crush on Prof. Ignesh who is getting married in a week’s time. And that is why Sibangini has turned into amnesia.

There is no doubt about that, Swati chucked a mocking comment at Sibangini from the other corner of the room.

Shut up.

Anyways, you people are going for the marriage. You can see her and decide, Ritee said.

What do you mean by you people… . ? We people. Sibangini gave a surprised look at Ritee.

Hey, seriously. I am not interested to go at all.

You are saying no to Goa. To Goa. Arey, we will not get second time chance my dear, an anxious Sibangini pushed her words further.

What is special in Goa? Our Kolkata is best, Ritee gave a chauvinistic reply.

But at least for a change.

I don’t need a change, Ritee firmed her stance once again.

You know your problem. You are not in love. May be you will find your true love in Goa.

Hah, what a joke. For searching a true love I don’t need to go Goa. I am happy here and will get a nice guy in my lovely place on earth Kolkata.

At least let’s go and attend the marriage. I have not seen a Christian family marriage. And above all, Professor has invited all of us with lots of expectations. We must oblige.

Don’t make us fool Sibangini. You are excited only because you can see the bride and evaluate whether to be jealous or not. Am I right? Swati started examining Sibangini’s impatience.

Jealous. My foot. She will be a waste. Professor will repent for his entire life and will never get satisfied, neither mentally or physically.

Poor Professor. He must be preparing himself for his first honeymoon and girls have already predicted his incompetent sex life. Ignesh Fernandes used to be a talented scholar of his time and hence became the youngest Professor in college. He is the most lovable person in college and girls are diehard fan of him. He likes his students very much and students also love him too. That is why; he has invited most of his favourite students to visit his native Goa and to attend his marriage.

Girls are too smart. Nobody’s parents would have given a clean chit for the journey until they rename it as a ‘study tour’. Yes. But even though for a study tour they need some fool breed on earth to post them safely to Goa. And the scapegoats became few college mates. Those were Parthoda, Chaterjee and Banku.

Girls started bickering and were still undecided for the tour. And finally Ritee nodded for the risk free journey as senior people like Parthoda and Banku were joining them. Typical girl character. She has already dreamt about the holiday but reluctant to express it. And that particular time who knows that it is going to change Ritee’s life forever. Once she was unwilling to join has now become the most active participant of the team. But she still doddles for the entire night, what stupid Sibangini told her. Does she have to travel a long way to Goa to find her love, what rubbish?

She does not know; there exists a superior magnetic force which was pulling her down to Goa.

Where in one part of the country there was celebration to go for the adventure, in other part it was like a home coming.

3

GOA.

During the beauteous winter.

It was a chilled morning in Goa as it rained last night. It was cold and breezy when Srijesh stepped out of Margaon Station. Rubbing his palms he asked for a cup of tea in nearby shop. He was expecting Suju to come till he finishes his tea. They have been celebrating Christmas for the last two seasons in Goa and keeping his promise, Srijesh has come back in the right time. But unfortunately the same was not visible by Suju who forgot to receive him in station. Almost half an hour passed in the tea shop but there was no sign of Suju’s arrival

The moment he pulled a five rupee note to pay for the tea, he knew he is not going to get back the change.

Sorry sir. No change. The reply came as expected.

Suju didn’t come, three rupees change gone and he is not having strength to have one more cup of tea neither to wait for Suju.

And suddenly, one horrible tribal look boy called him from the opposite side of the road.

Bhaiya, oh… Srijesh Bhaiya. Come this side, oh… hello, this way.

Srijesh slowly approached and recognized him. It is Chotu. He is a boy from Jharkhand, over matured from his age and has come to Goa last year. He used to work for a Mangalore based coconut farm owner. A boy of 5ft tall and a body weight of 30kg, Chotu was picked by his master only because he defeated him in climbing coconut tree. His present age won’t be more than fourteen but he is blessed with immense strength of agility. If child labour had been strictly followed, this fellow would have been a genuine case by then.

How are you Chotu?

You brought food.

Idiot. You didn’t bother to ask me how I am and how my journey was, straight asking about food. Anyways, throw your worries somewhere, I have brought enough, Srijesh consoled him even though he knows, it will not be sufficient for Chotu who can have six times meals per day. Chotu’s 30 kg body can easily engulf 10kg of food. One more blessing from God.

Where is Suju Uncle by the way? Srijesh asked.

In reply, Chotu gave a crooked smile with a shrewd answer, You will come to know about Guru once you reach house.

Guru. This is what Chotu pronounces him. Now a middle aged bachelor Suju was once an unwanted child in his native and knowing his potential of not able to clear his secondary exam, he escaped and fled from Mahe. He came to Goa some twenty years back in search of the basic necessities of life. But his loyalty in work paid the royalty for him and now he is one of the most wanted people in Goa apart from being a budget hotel supervisor. He is a one stop solution for all the requirements imposed by the tourists in South Goa. And he performs his duty with utmost sincerity. He is adorable and gifted with a great sense of humour which attracts female tourists the most. But no man is perfect, so does Suju. He is an incorrigible flirt and his philander attitude has served some best social services to the women who are in search of hidden pleasure. Apart from mastering the art of sex, he is also a specialist in communicating some widely famous languages. He can speak most of the European languages with ease along with English and Hindi. But there is one more problem, the way he has articulated the command over good languages, he has got an equal fluency in bad languages too. And that is why he is called as Guru by his disciple Chotu and whatever slang Chotu knows, it is a gift from him. Chotu praises his Guru, being an ardent follower and he blindly follows his footsteps always. From last few months when chotu became jobless, it is his Guru who recommended a job for him in the same hotel and he is now staying with Suju and Srijesh in their house like a family member to them.

Before the sunshine gets unbearable, Srijesh and Chotu reached their house, their own place, very near to the beautiful Kolva Beach.

Slowly and silently the dark cloud passed away when the sun started smiling. Srijesh loves this part the most. He misses this sunshine and this beautiful beach for a long period of time.

Don’t finish the food till I come back.

By telling it so, Srijesh took his shirt off and ran incessantly into the sea water. He could see the sun kissing the radiant water and the seashore getting blushed by the romantic response of the rays. He could feel the sand sliding under his naked feet. His thrust became active when he threw the glossy bubbles into the air and dived into the sea.

Have you gone mad? Chotu called him loudly.

Yes, yes, yes. Take as much food as possible. I don’t want anything, Srijesh’s excitement spoke for him. He is so obsessed for the charm of this place that every time he jumps into the seawater makes him feel of relieving all the strain of his mind. It feels divine to him always. One hour of sea bath turned his eyes into complete red, his body trembled but relaxed while he came back inside the house. Wiping his head in a towel he casually asked Chotu, Some foods are still left. You have become a changed man Chotu. Whether food is not good?

No Bhaiya. It is very tasty. But If Guru comes to know, that I finished it alone, then he will bang my butt.

And then suddenly someone banged the door outside. Think of the devil and the devil has come.

A big, HELLOOOOOOO.

Darling, Sweetheart, you came. Suju entered the house like enemies enter the Queen’s palace during night. He embraced Srijesh followed by some breathless kisses and welcomed him with his idiotic style of welcoming.

Stop, stop it. Srijesh was unable to speak and half able to breathe, What is this Uncle?

Hey, sorry, sorry. I can’t control my excitement after seeing you. You know that. And as usual Suju was in his histrionic self.

Oh stop it. By the way, where have you been?

Nowhere, I was just sleeping… .

Chotu raised his eyebrows as he was expecting a shocking truth from Suju.

What? I just slept in hotel. And you fucker, don’t stare at me like that. Anyways, Srijesh you tell. How are you and how is Hena, your mother, back in family?

They are fine… including father.

Just answer me what I asked, did I sound asking about your father, did I?

Srijesh smiled and gave a witty expression to Suju. Okay, Okay. Come, let’s have food. Mother has sent for you especially.

I know it. She never forgets me, unlike your father.

Srijesh served the balance food items. Suju took one bite and fed Srijesh.

I was missing you very much and I LOVE YOU, Suju told aloud. Though Suju is his uncle in blood relation, but he shares the relationship of a brother and a friend at the same point of time with Srijesh. He loves him so much and can do anything for his nephew.

By realizing they can’t finish the food without the kind cooperation from Chotu, they invited him for his second innings breakfast. And when Chotu joined them, the food disappeared at the rate of steam.

Okay Srijesh, you take rest. We will bring some non-veg items and drinks for today evening. Let’s go Chotu.

No need uncle, it’s ok.

"Arey, how can it be man? After so many days you